N. Walters - A Legal Affair

He chewed and swallowed before continuing. “I just retired after twenty years on the police force in Birmingham, and I’m on an extended vacation. I’m more than capable of handling any kind of investigation you need.”

Alicia didn’t know what to say. Personally, she wanted to say no. This man was a threat to her peace of mind. Professionally, she knew she had to say yes. She needed this work done and her client deserved the best she could give her. “Okay.”

She tried her best to ignore the little jump her heart gave and the happiness flowing through her veins at the thought of spending more time with Gill. Her emotions were all over the place.

To give herself time to compose her wits, she made herself sample the pancakes in front of her. They were delicious and she took her time, chewing carefully as she went over the logistics in her mind. They really wouldn’t have to spend too much time in each other’s company. All she needed were his reports. She had to be professional about this.

Even if it killed her.

“What do you need?” Gill asked.

Now that was a loaded question. She needed more than one night with him. She needed to spend hours in bed with him, running her hands over his incredible body.

Touching him, tasting him, while he did the same with her. But she couldn’t. He wasn’t here to stay and she couldn’t risk a public affair, not if she wanted to maintain her position in this town. Jamesville was small and very conservative. A one-night fling she could get away with, but an ongoing affair was something she couldn’t risk.

Alicia tugged at the cuffs on her blouse and steadied herself, desperately trying to ignore the tightening of her breasts and the ache low in her body. She leaned forward slightly so she wouldn’t be overheard. Not that anyone seemed to be paying them any attention, but she wanted to be careful all the same. “I need you to interview some people in town, and maybe locate a few who’ve moved away. This is a very sensitive case.”

Now that she thought about it, having an outsider who didn’t know Jim Brown at all was probably a plus.

Gill nodded. “No problem. I can go back to your office with you and get all the particulars. I’m sure the Jamesville Sheriff’s Department will let me use their facilities.”

He looked at Patrick who nodded. “Whatever you need”

As quick as that it was settled. Whether she liked it or not, Gill Baron was now working for her. She ignored the voice at the back of her brain that whispered this was an opportunity to spend more time with him.

She was a professional woman in a conservative town. It had been hard enough establishing a legal practice as a woman, and she wasn’t about to jeopardize it for anyone. No matter how attracted she was to him. As it was, if he let slip about what had happened the other night her reputation would take a serious hit.

The town had just had its faith shaken in the legal system with the allegations against the prominent lawyer, Elijah Harris. She’d had her share of new clients due to the fallout, as had the other two practices in town. She could lose them just as easily if her reputation came into question.

It wasn’t fair, but life seldom was. She’d have to put aside her personal feelings and be professional. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d sacrificed something for her career.

But never had it been so difficult.

They finished breakfast in record time, filling the silence with social chatter. When they were done, Patrick reached into his pocket for money, but Alicia stopped him. “My treat. Think of it as a breakfast meeting.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Thanks. Just don’t let my wife know that a pretty woman bought me breakfast.”

Shannon came up beside him and poked him in the ribs. “I heard that.” She smiled at Alicia. “Can I get you anything else?”

Alicia laughed at their byplay. “No, I’m good. Gill?” She was proud at how level and normal her voice sounded.

He just shook his head. “I’m fine. I’d rather get to work.”

“Certainly.” Grabbing her purse, she fished out enough money to cover their tab and handed it to Shannon. “Breakfast was wonderful, as always. Give my best to Jessie.”

“I will.” Shannon hurried off to the counter to serve another customer.

Patrick stood, zipping his jacket. “If you need anything, just give me a shout.”

“I will.” Alicia slipped her wallet back into her bag. “Thanks.”

He turned toward Gill. “I’ll catch you later.” The sheriff headed for the door, his mind obviously already on other matters.

Alicia pulled on her coat and buttoned it, all the while aware of the large male waiting patiently beside her. Her body remembered him all too well and she could feel her panties getting damp. Hooking her bag over her shoulder, she took a deep breath.

“Ready?”

“I’m more than ready.” His voice was low and intimate and had goose bumps skittering down her arms. She whirled to face him, but his expression was bland. She must have imagined the sensual undertones in his voice.

Striding to the door, she didn’t have to look behind to know that he was following her. She could sense him matching her step for step. He held the door and the two of them stepped out into the cold together.

Gill could hardly believe his good fortune. He’d spent most of the past two days wondering how he was going to uncover the identity of his mystery woman without giving away too much information, and she’d all but landed in his lap. He’d spent the rest of the time trying to talk himself out of searching for her at all.

He’d even considered packing up his stuff and leaving Jamesville. In the end, he couldn’t make himself go. Not yet. Not until he’d at least talked to the woman who filled his thoughts practically every waking minute.

No doubt about it, Alicia Flint had him tied up in knots. He wasn’t certain he liked the idea, but he didn’t seem to have much choice in the matter. He was old enough and experienced enough to know that the immediate connection between them was special and much more than a one-night stand.

He walked down the sidewalk by her side, waiting for her to speak. She looked great.

Even better than he remembered. Her cheeks were red with the cold, her lips were rosy and her black hair was tousled in the sharp wind that blew. He frowned, wondering if her ears were cold. She should be wearing a hat. It was bitter.

Her hands were stuck in the pockets of her black coat and her purse bounced against her side as she strode past the stores and businesses on Main Street.

“Your office far?” He probably should have offered to drive them. He wasn’t exactly dressed for Maine in March. If he stuck around for a while, he was going to have to buy himself a warmer jacket. His leather one was great for Alabama, but not much protection against this kind of frigid wind.

Alicia glanced at him and shook her head. “Not far.” She sounded slightly breathless, the air around her face forming a thin cloud as she spoke. She kept walking, her boots scrunching on the light coating of snow that covered the ground.

He wanted to wrap his arm around her to help keep her warm, but he didn’t think she’d appreciate the gesture. The vibes she was giving off were sending him mixed messages. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked alongside Alicia, letting her set the pace.

It was obvious she hadn’t wanted to acknowledge the fact that they already knew each other in front of the sheriff. That was fine with him. For now. But he’d also seen the way her pupils had dilated and she’d licked her lips. She might want to hide it, but Alicia was still attracted to him.

Gill’s entire body tightened and his erection stirred. There was something about Alicia that excited him, physically and intellectually. She’d be a challenge, in and out of bed. Of that he was certain.

He wasn’t surprised to learn that she was a lawyer. They hadn’t spent much time together, but he’d sensed she had a keen mind. They came to a halt in front of an old, stone building that had obviously been renovated into offices.

As if she could read his thoughts, she sent him a polite smile as she tugged the door open. “It used to be a dry goods shop at the turn of the century. It’s a great building.”

Gill grabbed the door and ushered her inside. The heat hit them immediately, making him realize just how cold he was.

“There’s a real estate office and an insurance broker on this floor.” Alicia started up a wide, oak staircase.

Gill was hot on her heels as she continued to chatter. He realized suddenly that he made her nervous. That could be a good thing or it could be bad. He wasn’t quite sure yet.

“I share this floor with a marriage counselor and an accountant”. She waved her hand down the hallway at the top of the stairs. “This is my office.”

He could hear the underlying pride in her voice and smiled. The door in front of them had her name etched discreetly on the glass with her occupation just below. It looked classy. Much like the lady herself. He pulled the door open and she shot him a warm gaze from beneath her lashes as she passed in front of him. Her body brushed against his, making his muscles tighten and his cock stir. He followed her, catching a whiff of her perfume.

An older woman sat at a desk, busily typing. She looked up, offering a gracious smile. Her eyes widened when they landed on Gill, but she just offered a polite hello before turning to Alicia.

“There are two messages for you.” She hesitated, casting another quick glance at Gill. “Are you still meeting the sheriff this morning?”